Safety alert: Don't feed animals on campus

(Nov. 21, 2008)--Many people at UTSA are animal lovers and many feel sorry for the feral (or stray) cats that live and wander about our campuses. With colder weather approaching, more people may have this desire to help the animals by feeding them or offering temporary shelter from the weather elements. Please don't.

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Feral cats are actually wild animals and can inflict serious injury if cornered or scared into a defensive mode. In addition to the cats, other wild animals such as skunks, opossums and mice -- which bring in snakes -- are attracted to this easy food source.

This brings more wild animals closer to UTSA buildings and human contact. Having wild animals in close proximity to our buildings and people increases the potential for injuries caused by animals.

For the best possible outcome, do not feed the animals -- this allows them to maintain their natural hunting instincts for food and prevents animal or human confrontations.

For more information, contact the Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management at (210) 458-5250.